Head Torch Buying Guide

Head torches are about the single most useful outdoor product on the market. Whether you are going camping, taking part in an adventure race across the Arctic wastes, or just want a torch in the car to use incase you get a puncture, being able to see in the dark is really useful. Moreover, being able to see in the dark and not have to hold a torch in your hand is even more useful. For what sounds like a pretty simple thing, there is a tremendous amount of choice when it comes to head torches, so which one should you choose? This is a brief guide to let you know what to look for.

Light source….
Most head torches on the market make light in one of two ways. Either they use incandescent bulbs, or they use LEDs.

Bulbs: Incandescent bulbs, such as Halogen bulbs are great if you need to have a bright light in a focusable beam. Great if you want to be able to see an object a long way in the distance. To generate their light, the filament inside the bulb is heated, which uses a relatively large amount of energy.

LEDs: Most modern head torches use LEDs for light output. LEDs are much more robust the incandescent bulbs as there is no filament to break, meaning you do not have to worry about carrying a spare bulb with you. The light produced by LED head torches is much whiter and more like daylight than that produced by incandescent bulbs. They can emit a large amount of light whilst at the same time giving excellent battery life, meaning LED powered torches have much lower running costs.

Hybrid: If you are looking for a torch which offers both the ability to use a long range focusable beam, as well as the long battery life of an LED torch, then there are torches which offer both options in one unit.

Brightness….
To help you compare how bright one head torch is compared with another, most head torch manufacturers give a lumen rating for their torches. A basic torch might have an output of 10 lumens, whilst the brightest head torch we offer has an output of 350 lumens.
Measuring how bright something is in lumens differs to its wattage is that lumens is a measurement of how bright the light is, rather than how much power the lamp consumes.

Where the battery sits….
When choosing a head torch, there are three places that the battery pack can sit. Most common with compact and lightweight head torches, the batteries sit at the front of the head band, incorporated into the lamp unit. For larger head torches, the battery pack is often found at the back of the head band, connected to the lamp unit by a cable. This offers better balance and comfort as all the weight is not sat on your forehead. The third type of set up is to have the battery pack connected to the lamp unit on a longer cable. This allows you to store the batteries inside your clothing, helping to insulate the batteries when you are using the torch in extreme cold conditions, and extend the charge life of the batteries.
  

Headbands….
Most head torches have just a simple elasticated head band to hold the torch in place. Some heavier torches also have a top strap to help support the weight of the torch and stop it sliding down your head. If you keep a head torch for occasional use, and want it to be as compact as possible, then a torch on a retractable cable are ideal.